Special Called Town Council Meeting

Black Mountain Town Council Addresses Storm Recovery & Board Appointments: A Recap

On February 17, 2025, the Black Mountain Town Council convened a Special Called Meeting focused on two primary areas: addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene (referred to as "Haleen" during the meeting) and making crucial appointments to several regional boards and organizations. The meeting, attended by all council members, aimed to prepare the town for upcoming budget decisions and a strategic retreat in March.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on assessing and financing repairs stemming from Hurricane Helene, particularly concerning the severely damaged Hilltop Road. Council members engaged in a detailed review of damage inventory submitted to FEMA, understanding that this documentation process is essential for potential reimbursement – though not a guaranteed influx of funds. The conversation explored various financing options, including FEMA Public Assistance, a State Cash Flow Loan Program, private loans (considered with caution), and potential revenue replacement bills. Town staff highlighted the need for meticulous documentation, emphasizing that accurate records are vital to securing assistance. A key discussion point involved the town's current fund balance of approximately $4.5 million, which will fluctuate as recovery efforts progress and reimbursements are received.

Responding to concerns from a Hilltop Road resident regarding emergency access, the council unanimously approved a motion to move forward with a temporary stabilization project for Hilltop Road, allocating up to $300,000 from the paving line item in the budget. The council also acknowledged that a permanent solution will require permitting and further planning, understanding this is a long-term recovery effort. Beyond Hilltop Road, discussions touched on other ongoing efforts including expedited FEMA projects, water system repairs, and the support of volunteer groups like UNC Greensboro. Staff will be developing a matrix to objectively score and prioritize recovery projects, incorporating community surveys and public input to guide decision-making on non-essential repairs.

Beyond storm recovery, the council addressed a backlog of board appointments resulting from the 2024 municipal election. All positions were filled with unanimous votes: Ryan [Last Name] and Doug [Last Name] were appointed to the Land of Sky Regional Council; Jessica [Last Name] and Pam [Last Name] were appointed to the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Black Mountain Center for the Arts; Archie [Last Name] was appointed as an alternate to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Pam [Last Name] was appointed as an alternate to the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.

What's Next? Residents can expect the following actions: Town staff will continue working with FEMA on damage assessments and pursuing funding opportunities. The council will prepare for a strategic retreat in March to discuss prioritization and address potential funding gaps, informed by the detailed Hurricane Helene damage assessment outlined in Appendix A. The council will also advocate for increased state aid and funding opportunities to support Black Mountain’s recovery efforts.

This meeting was a critical step in addressing the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and ensuring that Black Mountain remains well-represented on key regional boards, allowing the town to effectively advocate for its interests and participate in collaborative efforts.